Cholesterol? In my skincare?
Yes, cholesterol in your skincare.
While the word “cholesterol” might make you think of heart health or bloodwork, it’s also a naturally occurring compound in your skin barrier. And when it comes to supporting sensitive or compromised skin, cholesterol is one of the most underrated ingredients out there.
Let’s break down what cholesterol does in skincare, who it’s best for, and why it plays a starring role in barrier repair products.
What Is Cholesterol (in a Skincare Context)?
In your skin, cholesterol is a type of lipid; a fat-like molecule that helps form the protective outer layer of your skin (the stratum corneum). It sits alongside ceramides and fatty acids, forming the “mortar” in the skin’s brick-and-mortar structure.
Together, these three components create your skin’s natural defense system, helping to:
- Seal in hydration
- Keep out irritants and pathogens
- Maintain flexibility and resilience
So when we talk about using cholesterol in skincare, we’re talking about replenishing something your skin already makes naturally, especially when it’s under stress.
What Are the Benefits of Cholesterol for Skin?
Cholesterol does a lot of heavy lifting in your barrier function. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Strengthens the skin barrier: Prevents water loss and shields against environmental stressors
- Improves skin elasticity and softness: Helps maintain healthy skin texture and tone
- Calms irritation: Reduces sensitivity and stinging sensations
- Supports repair: Especially helpful after over-exfoliating or using strong actives
- Enhances ingredient delivery: When used in a balanced formula, cholesterol helps other lipids absorb better
It’s especially powerful when used in combination with ceramides and fatty acids, as these three work together to mimic your skin’s natural lipid matrix.
Who Can Benefit from Cholesterol in Skincare?
You don’t need to have a diagnosed skin condition to benefit from cholesterol. But it can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing:
- Barrier damage from exfoliants, retinoids, or environmental stress
- Redness, stinging, or burning after using new products
- Dry, flaky skin that doesn’t respond to hydration alone
- Aging skin, which naturally produces less cholesterol over time
- Sensitive or reactive skin that needs extra support
If your skin feels “off” or overwhelmed, it might be missing the essential lipids that cholesterol helps provide.
Do You Need Cholesterol and Ceramides?
Yes, and here’s why.
Healthy skin contains a precise ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids (1:1:1). When that balance gets disrupted (from harsh products, over-cleansing, cold weather, etc.), your barrier weakens.
Skincare products that include all three of these lipids can help restore that balance, re-sealing the barrier and soothing inflammation. You’ll often see these ingredients in barrier creams, recovery moisturizers, or products for sensitive skin.
Is Cholesterol in Skincare Vegan?
Most cholesterol used in skincare is animal-derived, often from lanolin or other purified sources. However, synthetic or plant-identical versions do exist and are becoming more common in lab-formulated products.
Does GRAES Use Cholesterol?
Yes. We include cholesterol in Night C.A.P., our 8-in-1 multitasking night cream, because it plays a vital role in supporting the skin barrier.
But we don’t stop there. Night C.A.P. also includes:
- Five types of ceramides – to strengthen and rebuild
- Fatty acid-rich esters and oils – including jojoba, sunflower wax, and brassica glycerides
- Squalane, colloidal oatmeal, and allantoin – to calm, hydrate, and soften sensitive skin
Together, these ingredients mimic your skin’s natural lipid barrier, helping your skin feel more resilient, hydrated, and balanced without irritation.
TL;DR
- Cholesterol is a natural lipid found in your skin’s outer layer
- It helps lock in moisture, reduce irritation, and support healing
- Works best when paired with ceramides and fatty acids
- Night C.A.P. includes all three to help restore your barrier—especially if your skin feels stressed or sensitive
